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10. Saline and Alkaline Soils


The saline soils are characterised by the presence of sodium chloride and sodium sulphate. In these soils, the saline and alkaline efflorescence appears on the surface as a layer of white salt through capillary action. These soils arc known by different names in different parts of the country. They are called as reh, kallar, usar, rakar, thur, kart, and chopan. These soils are found in Rajasthan, 1 laryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Maharashtra.


Texturally, these soils vary from sandy to sandy-loam. They are deficient in nitrogen, calcium and have very low water bearing capacity. These soils can be reclaimed by improving drainage, by applying gypsum and/or lime and by cultivating salt resistant crops like barseem, dhaincha, and other leguminous crops.